🖨️ Template Trouble? How to Print, Resize, and Adjust Quilt Patterns Without Losing Your Mind
Updated May 2025 to better guide you through choosing your ideal appliqué method—part of the new Appliqué Unplugged series!
Have you ever used paper foundations or printed templates for a project? Sewn a block together exactly as instructed—only to discover it’s smaller than it should be? Measured your ¼-inch seam with military precision and still ended up off?
You are not alone.
This happens all the time with printed patterns and photocopies. And let me be clear:
It’s not your fault.
It’s not the designer’s fault.
It’s the printer’s fault.
Yup. Go ahead and yell at the machine that promised to make your life easier and then shrank your quilt dreams by 3%. You read that right:
The printer did it.
Actually, in this case… the printer didn’t do it right.
But the good news? You can outsmart it. This guide walks you through how to test, fix, resize, and protect your templates before you cut—so you can sew with confidence and stop blaming your poor seam allowance.
🔍 Step One: Verify the Scale Before You Cut
Here’s how to test it properly:
Even if your pattern says “Print at 100%,” your printer may still lie.
- Open the file and go to your print settings.
- Choose “Actual Size” or “100%.”
- Check for scaling options like “Fit” or “Fill”:
- Fit = Shrinks the page to fit within printable margins (not what you want).
- Fill = Fills the printable area without shrinking—usually your best bet, but can cut off edges.
- Print a test page with a 1″ registration square.
- Measure it with a real ruler. Not your seam gauge. Not your best guess.
- If it’s too small, increase the print setting to 102% or 103% and try again.
- Repeat until your square measures exactly 1″.
🎥 Watch the video below to see how this works in real time.
📝 Download the test page to figure out how your printer usually scales patterns—so you’re not guessing next time.
📎 Step Two: Preserve the Master Template
Once you’ve got a correctly sized version:
- Label it “Master – Do Not Cut”
- Photocopy or trace it as many times as you need
- Only cut the extras—not your perfectly calibrated original
Future-you will thank you.
✂️ Step Three: If It’s Already the Wrong Size… Don’t Panic
Here’s how to fix it without redrawing or fancy software.
🔢 Use Smart Math to Adjust
- Measure the printed registration square. (Example: 0.97″)
- Use this formula:
Desired size ÷ Actual printed size = Scaling %
→ Example: 1 ÷ 0.97 = 1.0309 → Print at 103% - Plug that percentage into your printer or copier settings.
- Print again and re-measure until it’s just right.
Once your square measures exactly 1″, make your copies, cut your templates, and carry on with confidence.
🧠 Bonus Tips from the Frustration Files
- Don’t trim any templates until the sizing is verified.
- Double-check overlap lines on multi-page templates before taping.
- Want longevity? Trace your master onto freezer paper, template plastic, or cardstock and label it.
🎯 Bottom Line: Trust your ruler, not your printer.
Test first. Label the master. Know your machine’s quirks. And never feel bad about checking twice.
✅ Want More?
- 🎥 Watch the video: How to check your printer scale like a pro
- 📄 Download the test page: Discover your printer’s default behavior and save time on future prints
- 💬 Quilting horror story? Drop it in the comments. I promise you’re not alone.
Happy Quilting!
Laureen
